Man Utd News: Barcelona plan to sign Anthony Martial because of Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Martial has enjoyed a stunning start to the new season for Manchester United, scoring five goals and weighing in with six assists.

However, despite his impressive form, the France international continues to be overlooked for a starting berth by manager Jose Mourinho.

Arsenal have been tipped to sign him, with uncertainty still continuing to surround wing wizard Alexis Sanchez.

But Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Barcelona have an ambitious plan to sign Martial at the end of the season.

It is said they are monitoring the player's situation with great interest - and have liked what they have seen.

Martial toiled last term under Mourinho, appearing to be at odds with the 54-year-old's tactical demands.

But he is now finally beginning to resemble the player that took English football by storm under former boss Louis van Gaal two years ago.

Martial is a natural centre-forward but, with Marcus Rashford and Romelu Lukaku also in form, he is struggling for starting opportunities up top.

And Mundo Deportivo say the return of Ibrahimovic could force him out. 

The 36-year-old was released at the end of last season after a serious knee injury ruled him out for the rest of 2017.

But the former Sweden international is on the verge of a sensational return, having penned a new contract with the Red Devils back in August.

With him coming back into the fold, Martial continues to struggle and Barcelona are confident they would be well-placed to sign him should he give them any encouragement.

Meanwhile, speaking in midweek, Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry lauded United's No11.

“Anthony Martial is a far better player than I was at that age,” said the Arsenal legend. 

“He can become a world-class player.”

Martial is currently resting back in Manchester after being overlooked by France.

And he will be chomping at the bit when the Red Devils face Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday.